Vineeta Singh - I Have Had the Absolute Honour to Share the Panel with Namita Thapar and Ghazal Alagh (Co-founder & CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics)

If they (Shark Tank India) will have me be a part of this journey again, I would love to join the panel! 

How are you treating the sudden fame that has come to you after shark tank?

Although on the personal front, life remains the same, it’s quite humbling and overwhelming to receive the love being showered on me. I do find it amusing whenever I get stopped or recognized on the streets by people who have watched the show. That’s not something you get used to, no matter how many times it happens because you’re still the person you’ve always been, the only difference is now you’re also on TV. 

In a highly competitive cosmetic industry, with too many brands, how did SUGAR make a mark for itself?

The Indian Beauty Industry back in 2014 had its own constraints - being dominated by the multinational brands, very few of whom actually had a range suited for the Indian complexion. This is why the audience either preferred to source makeup and beauty products from other countries or ended up with incorrect shades that wouldn’t pair with Indian skin tones. 

At this time, SUGAR Cosmetics entered the India market in mid-2015 to enable women to explore, crack the code of and relish the matchless beauty products that are exclusively recommended for them by beauty connoisseurs. Our three main USPs of the brand – meticulously crafted shades that compliment all skin tones, extreme colour payoff and formulations that last long has helped the brand to build a cult following. 

Which other women entrepreneurs would you like to share the shark tank panel with?

There are so many women entrepreneurs that I’d like to see on Shark tank that it wouldn’t be fair to name just a few. Looking back, I have had the absolute honour to share the panel with fellow women entrepreneurs Namita Thapar and Ghazal Alagh, and doing so again would be incredible. They’re extremely intelligent women with impeccable business sense and I consider myself lucky to have had the chance to learn something from the both of them. 


What is your personal formula to decide if a business is investible or not? Do you have a favorite category or an industry?


Running a business is a lot like running a marathon, it has a never-ending set of challenges, roadblocks and setbacks, so before investing I always evaluate the entrepreneur running the business. I like to invest in entrepreneurs who are resilient in the face of adversity, the ones who think long term and are not fazed by short term setbacks. Someone who won’t give up when faced with minor and major failure. 

Additionally, I also look at the market size for the product and the problem statement that they are solving through their business. While I don’t necessarily have a favorite category, I always tend to lean towards companies that are in the consumer business space with women as their primary customer. 


5. If your life was a Bollywood movie, which movie would you like it to be?

I’d like to say the movie 3 idiots, and not at all because of the viral meme even though it was fun recreating the iconic scene from the movie! (Reference to this video). On a serious note, the movie portrays the importance of following our dreams no matter the struggles, doing what we love and not chasing success but excellence. I believe that it is what I’m currently doing in my life and brand which makes me feel content but at the same time strive for better. And most importantly I can happily say that ALL IS WELL! 


6. Which is your favorite book and why?

One of my favourite books have to be ‘Shoe Dog by Phil Knight’, the book is one of the most honest and candid memoirs from one of the greatest entrepreneurs I have come across. It’s a great read for anyone who wants to learn about the real story behind the success of any business, that's largely full of chaos, struggle and sacrifice. The saying that ‘there is a lot more learning from the stories of hustle than success’ rings true. 


7. Will we see you in the next season of shark tank?

To go from being one of the budding entrepreneurs to being able to help one grow their idea into a successful business was a beautiful experience. Being a part of the shark tank was an enlightening and humbling experience for me, which shows that the journey though difficult can take you to some of the most amazing places. 

I, for one, understood the gravity which each decision of mine has held, both through my business and this show. If they will have me be a part of this journey again, I would love to join the panel!